How to Check Canada Visa Status Online?
How to Check Canada Visa Status Online?
If you're planning to travel to Canada, securing the right visa or travel authorization is one of the most important steps. Understanding how to check your Canada visa status, track your application online, know the processing time, and avoid common rejection reasons can save time, reduce stress, and improve your chances of success.
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How to Check Canada Visa Status Online?
If you’ve applied for a Canada visa, tracking your application status online is quick and easy. Whether it's a visitor visa, study permit, or eTA, checking your status helps you stay informed and plan your travel confidently. Here's a brief guide on how to check your Canada visa status online.
Way 1: IRCC Secure Account (GCKey or Sign-In Partner)
Use this method if you applied online or linked a paper application to your account.
Step 1: Sign in to your IRCC account
Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html, and choose "GCKey" or "Sign-In Partner" to log in with the same credentials used to submit your application.
Step 2: Access your application
Go to “View my submitted applications or profiles”. Click on the application you want to track.
Step 3: Check updates
View detailed status, including stages like Application Received, Biometrics, Background Check, Final Decision
Way 2: IRCC Portal (for PR, temporary residence, and citizenship applications)
This applies to applicants who used the newer IRCC Portal to submit their application directly, separate from the GCKey platform.
Step 1: Log in to the IRCC Portal
Visit: https://portal-portail.apps.cic.gc.ca/signin. Sign in with the username and password created during your application process.
Step 2: View application status
Select the relevant application to see current updates and messages from IRCC
Way 3: Written Request (for paper applications or GCMS Notes)
Use this method to request detailed updates or officer notes on your file.
Step 1: Submit a written inquiry
Use the IRCC web form: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/web-form.asp. Include your full name, date of birth, UCI, application number, and category.
Step 2: Wait for the response
You will receive an email from IRCC with updates or next steps regarding your application status
Way 4: Application Status via Tracking ID
Use this method if you submitted your application through a visa application centre and received a tracking ID.
Step 1: Go to the tracking page
Visit this link: https://www.vfsglobal.ca/IRCC-GPTWave1/Track/Index?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/CQ1P0LBKn66dLdNUfueK+zXVvfCaQtqf4wkl10oKbwhActUUQpLseDw/c2V80Cpow==
Step 2: Enter your details
Enter your Tracking ID, birth date and a captcha.
Step 3: View your status
The system will display the current status of your visa application, such as whether it is under review, approved, or dispatched
What is The Processing Time for a Canada Visa?
The processing time for a Canadian tourist visa ranges between 18 to 400 calendar days! The actual timeline depends on several variables, including the volume of applications, seasonal demand, the accuracy of your documents, whether your case requires further review, and most importantly, your home country.
Below is a country-wise breakdown of the current visitor visa processing times, visa types, and chances of delay, based on the latest data from IRCC and global visa trends as of 2025.
India
Type of visa: Visitor Visa
Processing time: ~24 days
Chances of delay: Low to moderate; high volume but efficient system
United States
Type of visa: Visitor Visa
Processing time: ~20 days
Chances of delay: Low; well-integrated processing
United Kingdom
Type of visa: Visitor Visa
Processing time: ~31 days
Chances of delay: Low to moderate; stable but may face minor backlogs
Nigeria
Type of visa: Visitor Visa
Processing time: ~85 days
Chances of delay: High; high scrutiny and backlog history
Australia
Type of visa: Visitor Visa or eTA
Processing time: Minutes (eTA); Visitor Visa not officially listed
Chances of delay: Very low for eTA; visa delay unknown
Pakistan
Type of visa: Visitor Visa
Processing time: ~25 to 30 days
Chances of delay: Moderate; depends on document clarity
New Zealand
Type of visa: Visitor Visa or eTA
Processing time: Minutes (eTA); visa not listed
Chances of delay: Very low if using eTA
United Arab Emirates
Type of visa: Visitor Visa
Processing time: ~80 to 320 days
Chances of delay: Very high; major backlog reported
Brazil
Type of visa: Visitor Visa
Processing time: Not officially listed; estimated ~60 to 120 days
Chances of delay: Moderate; depends on visa office load
Germany
Type of visa: Visitor Visa
Processing time: ~383 days (via Vienna office)
Chances of delay: Very high; severe backlog in processing centre
South Africa
Type of visa: Visitor Visa
Processing time: Estimated ~60 to 150 days
Chances of delay: High; regional visa office delays are common
Applicants from India, the U.S., and Pakistan generally experience faster visitor visa approvals due to well-equipped local visa offices, streamlined processing systems, and established biometric infrastructure. These countries handle a high volume of applications efficiently, allowing IRCC to maintain relatively short processing times. On the other hand, applicants from Nigeria, the UAE, and Germany often face delays. In Nigeria, high refusal rates and stricter scrutiny of documents contribute to longer timelines. The UAE sees heavy visa traffic, not only from its residents but also from third-country nationals applying from within the region, leading to processing overload. Germany’s applications are typically routed through the Vienna visa office, which is known for its severe backlog and limited capacity. These country-specific operational challenges significantly impact the processing time of a visitor visa.
How Will I Receive My Canada Visa Once Approved?
The method of receiving your Canada visa depends on the type of visa you applied for and the process you followed. Here's how it works for Sticker Visas, e-Visas, and Visa on Arrival.
1. Sticker Visa (Stamped in Passport)
If you applied through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or submitted your passport to the Canadian embassy/consulate:
A visa will be stamped as a sticker inside your passport.
Once approved, you’ll receive a notification to submit your passport (if not already submitted).
After stamping, your passport is returned via courier or collected in person from the VAC, depending on your selection during the application process.
Always check your visa validity, conditions, and number of entries printed on the sticker.
2. e-Visa / Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
For eligible nationalities applying online for short-term travel:
You’ll receive your e-visa or eTA approval via email.
No physical visa is issued or required in your passport.
The authorisation is electronically linked to your passport.
At the airport, present your passport; the immigration officer can verify your e-visa/eTA status in their system.
You should carry a printed copy of the approval email in case it’s requested during check-in or arrival.
3. Visa on Arrival (Not Applicable for Canada)
Canada does not offer a visa on arrival for most travellers. You must obtain a visa or eTA before travelling to Canada. Arriving without prior approval may result in denied boarding or entry.
Note: Always double-check the visa delivery instructions on the official IRCC website or through your visa application provider (such as a VAC or authorised platform).
My Canada Visa Status Shows Rejected. What Should I Do?
Over 400,000 Canada visa applications are rejected every year, often due to avoidable mistakes. Here are the most common reasons for refusal:
Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation
Applications are often denied due to missing documents, name mismatches, outdated forms, or incorrect formatting. Even minor errors can raise concerns about credibility and preparedness.
Insufficient Proof of Financial Support
Inconsistent or weak financial records, unexplained large deposits, or outdated statements can lead to rejection. Visa officers need to be confident that you can financially support yourself during your stay.
Lack of Strong Ties to Home Country
If you fail to demonstrate clear reasons to return home—such as employment, education, property, or family commitments—it increases the risk of visa refusal.
Unclear Purpose of Travel
Generic or inconsistent information about your travel plans can lead to suspicion. Officers look for a clear, well-supported reason for your visit to Canada.
Poor Travel History
Limited international travel, previous visa refusals, or overstays in other countries can work against your application, signaling a potential risk of non-compliance.
Issues with Letter of Invitation or Sponsorship
Incomplete invitation letters, unreliable sponsors, or a lack of proof of relationship can weaken your application, especially for family or friend visits.
Health or Security Concerns
Failure to complete a required medical exam or failure to disclose a criminal record may result in inadmissibility.
Weak or Generic Personal Explanation Letter
A vague or copied Letter of Explanation (LoE) fails to demonstrate intent, ties to your home country, or a convincing reason to return. Being precise, consistent, and well-organised significantly improves your chances of approval. Understanding common rejection points is the first step to preparing a stronger application.
Use Atlys to apply Error-free and Hassle-free
Applying through Atlys helps reduce the chances of rejection by ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and compliant with visa requirements.
Applying for a Canada visa doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you apply directly or through a platform like Atlys, making sure your application is complete, accurate, and compliant with Canada’s requirements will help you avoid delays and improve your chances of approval.
How can I speed up my Canada visa application process?
While you cannot directly control IRCC’s processing speed, you can take steps to minimize delays:
Submit a complete application – double-check that all forms are signed, every required document is uploaded, and formats match IRCC’s requirements.
Provide biometrics quickly – book your biometrics appointment as soon as you receive the request, since delays here directly affect your timeline.
Avoid inconsistencies – make sure your travel history, employment details, and financial documents align across all forms. Any mismatches may trigger additional review.
Apply during off-peak times – processing is usually slower in summer and December due to high demand.
Use online applications instead of paper – online submissions are processed more efficiently and allow real-time status tracking.
What’s the difference between a Visitor Visa and an eTA for Canada?
Both allow entry into Canada, but they apply to different traveler categories:
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)
Required for citizens of countries not visa-exempt (e.g., India, Nigeria, Pakistan).
Issued as a sticker in your passport.
Needed even if you’re just transiting through a Canadian airport.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Required for citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g., UK, Australia, Germany) traveling by air.
Linked electronically to your passport, approved within minutes in most cases.
Not needed if entering Canada by land or sea (from the U.S., for example).
If you’re unsure which one applies, check IRCC’s official tool: Find out if you need a visa or eTA
Can I reapply immediately if my Canada visa was refused?
Yes, you can reapply at any time after a refusal—there is no mandatory waiting period. However, success depends on whether you’ve addressed the reasons for the refusal:
Review refusal letter – IRCC provides broad reasons, but you can request detailed notes (GCMS notes) for more clarity.
Correct mistakes – for example, add stronger proof of funds, provide updated travel documents, or strengthen ties to your home country.
Improve your explanation letter (LoE) – explicitly address the refusal reasons in your new application.
Seek professional help – consider using an immigration consultant or Atlys to ensure your reapplication is accurate and well-supported.